Native Drums
Explore the powerful symbolism of drums in African American culture, once tools of communication and resistance during the darkest times of slavery. We confront the lingering shadows of economic exploitation and the pervasive influence of media and religion in controlling black narratives. Let’s reexamine the role of the black church and its mission to fight systemic injustices, urging a return to prophetic ministries that prioritize humanity and community over material wealth. This podcast episode is not just a reflection of the past but a call to action for the future, urging us to build a more just and liberated world.
Native Drums
You Can Change Careers And Still Win
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Your career doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else for it to work and Shemeka Cusack is living proof. We talk with Shemeka about what it looks like to pivot from early college plans and radiology coursework into hair school, salon ownership, real estate, and ultimately a calling in pediatric speech therapy. The through line is growth: every job teaches a skill you can reuse, especially when you’re building a life that includes entrepreneurship, family responsibilities, and real-world constraints.
We also dig into what Shemeka does now as a speech-language pathologist and business owner. She explains early intervention services for children who are delayed in milestones, what therapy can look like in a natural environment, and why play-based methods matter when you’re serving pediatric patients. If you’ve searched for early intervention, pediatric speech therapy services, or how speech therapy supports school-age children, you’ll hear a grounded, local perspective on how care is delivered and how families can get connected.
Business Awareness Month gives us the perfect reason to get practical. We talk about using a business incubator for free training, networking, marketing support, and SBA guidance for grants and loans. Then we switch to the details many founders miss: home office tax deductions, when a CPA is worth it, and how to form an LLC and get an EIN without paying ridiculous fees. Shemeka even shares how free tools like ChatGPT can help you research faster and ask better questions.
If you like honest stories, clear steps, and real small business advice you can use today, subscribe, share this conversation with a friend who’s building something, and leave a review so more listeners can find Native Drums.
Welcome And Meet Shemika
SPEAKER_02Hello everyone. Welcome to Native Drums. I'm Jacilia Williams, and today I have with me one of the babies of our church. Yes, Shemika Qzek. Hi, Shemika. Hi, I just thought you were how are you? I'm great, I'm great. You know, we're so proud of Shemika because she has just bloomed and progressed, and uh she is a speech pathologist. Correct. And um weren't you in DC with me? I mean in Richmond, Virginia, during the time I was there, the Virginia school in Virginia? I was Virginia Commonwealth. Yeah, yeah. I I was there at the same time. Oh you knew that. You forgot. Yeah. It's been so long. It has been so long, it's been so long. Yeah, you were um at was that the university hospital or something like that? Virginia Commonwealth. Okay, Virginia.
SPEAKER_00And what were you what was your focus in time? My focus was radiology.
SPEAKER_02Okay.
From College Detours To SLP
SPEAKER_02Okay, so you do see you have some knowledge of that. I do. Uh give us some more information on your background.
SPEAKER_00So um I left Virginia Commonwealth in 1998. I ended up coming back home because my great-grandmother had gotten sick. So I took some time off and I decided at that point in time I was gonna complete hair school. So um I ended up opening up a salon in 2005. I've done a lot. Yes. Um I ran the salon up until um that's 2004. Wow, okay. 2024. So um then I ended up going into real estate. I sold real estate for a while, really enjoyed real estate, but when the market crashed at that point in time, you know, I decided that I would come out of real estate. Um I ended up, I've done a lot. So I ended up going to tech at that at that point in time, and I decided that I was gonna major in computer technology. So I wanted to be a computer technologist. I did my time at tech, and then I decided um about six credit hours into graduating that I was gonna change my major. So I changed my major all of a sudden, and then I decided, hey, I don't want to go to tech anymore, I want to go somewhere else. So at that point, um, they had a single parent program at that time. So I ended up doing the single parent program, and I was able to transfer over to Columbia College. Okay. And at that point in time, that's where I started my career as a speech language pathologist.
SPEAKER_02I got education from what a road to travel. But see, just by traveling that road and changing your mind, you still you were able to obtain knowledge as you uh went along that road. That is great. That's great. So let's talk about how you could piece all of those, put all those pieces together and uh and what and and and bloom into what you're doing now and what you you know to do today, because you have several businesses, I understand.
SPEAKER_00I do have several businesses. Um I grew up in a household where my father always said it's best to work for yourself if you're gonna work hard, work for yourself. So um I did that. Um completed my undergrad at Columbia College, as I stated earlier, and then of course, in order to be what we call a full-blown SLP, being able to evaluate and um diagnose patients, I had to go back to school and obtain a master's degree. So the completion of that program is about six to seven years.
SPEAKER_02Yes. Wow, wow, and you're still a young woman.
SPEAKER_00You are, I guess, I'll say. Yes, yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_02I'm not gonna ask you your age, but um, because I tell mine. But I'm saying, you know, to um be able to obtain all of that and still, um at the age, you know, that you are, uh, you're still uh that professional woman.
The Businesses She Runs Today
SPEAKER_02Yes, ma'am. So um tell us a little bit about some of your businesses that you have.
SPEAKER_00Let's see, where do we start? I'll start from um least to greatest. I'll I'll talk about that greatest one at the end. Um so I have a plant-based e-commerce business that I own as well. So with that plant-based e-commerce business, we sell things like vitamins, um, energy drinks. Um trying to think off the top of my head what else we do. Um we have things um to help with heart condition, joint pain, okay, like that. So and that's a smaller business. I haven't put much focus into it, but kind of getting that one started, restarted again. Okay, all right. Um I also own um New Expressions Travel, so I'm a travel agent as well. Wow, okay. Um I just booked a trip for, well, we just came back, let me say that, for 41 um clients. We went on a cruise May 2nd and then we came back on the 7th. So um I love booking travel. We went to Bahamas and Dominican Republic. Okay. So I love booking affordable travel. Okay. So it has to be affordable. If it's not affordable, it's not right.
SPEAKER_02I know a last year or last year, year before, you were over, you did a lot of traveling.
SPEAKER_00I I love to travel. So last year I actually went to um Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, Gambia, and Portugal. Wow. Yes. Cool, world tour. That's awesome. Okay, well, go on and tell us about your next business. So my next business, um, as I spoke about the travel agency, um, I still do party rentals on the side. So I rent out tents, chairs, tables, concessions, bounce houses. And um I started that one. Oh, yeah, you did. I remember the bouncy houses, yeah.
SPEAKER_02Uh-huh. Many years ago. When bouncy houses became popular, you were one of the first that's so and and characters, of course.
SPEAKER_00We still have characters. Um, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse. Uh Thomas the Train was one of the ones that most people rented out back in the day. So um I currently have Carolina Connections and Intervention Services. And who's that? So I opened that company up about two and a half years ago. We provide early intervention services for children that are delayed with their milestones. Okay. So we go into the natural environment, we provide services such as speech, occupational therapy, um, early intervention, as I stated earlier, and physical therapy. That's good. And what's the name of it? Carolina Connections and Interventions.
SPEAKER_02Oh my, all right. Now, if someone wants to, I mean, all your your businesses are great, but that one is really catching me. Um, if someone wanted needed your services um for that particular one, and we'll talk about the others as well.
SPEAKER_00But if they needed your services for for that business, yes, and they can reach out to me at 843-409-9240.
SPEAKER_02Okay, all right. So um that's really good. That intervention is and so go on, what's next?
SPEAKER_00So my bread and butter is New Expressions Therapeutic Services. So there we offer speech therapy services to pediatric patients. So um we do a lot of play therapy throughout the day. I normally start my day off around 6 a.m.
SPEAKER_02Wow.
SPEAKER_00Between 6, 6 30 in the morning. Um, and I normally end my some nights, I'll say 7 30, 8 o'clock. But I really enjoy what I do and I tell people if you can do a job or have a career and not get paid for it, it's something that you are passionate about.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that that's true, that's true. And that's 14 hours some days. Yes. Wow, that's a long haul.
SPEAKER_00It is, but as I stated earlier, yeah, um, it's mainly pay play therapy. So I sit on the floor and I play with toys all day. So I Well, hey, why not? It doesn't get any better than that. So um, and also I contract with some of the school districts around here. Oh, great. So I also provide therapy to school age children as well.
SPEAKER_02Wonderful, wonderful. And the intervention is um I'm back on that again.
SPEAKER_00That's for children as well, right? Yes. So that's for children between the ages of three, zero to three years old. Uh-huh. And then after aging out from three, we do three to six and then we release them.
SPEAKER_02Okay,
Incubator Support And New Location
SPEAKER_02okay. So um, where are the locations of your of um these of your businesses?
SPEAKER_00So we're currently located at the Charles School Incubator. Um, it's on the same campus as the SIMT building. But we will currently, June 1st, we have a new location, and we will be located at 817 South Cashua um Suite D, and it's located adjacent to the neighborhood of Walmart on Cashua.
SPEAKER_02Oh, wonderful. Oh, great. That's down there near me. Uh-huh. Okay. So um, you know, that incubator at SIMT, it um houses several businesses over there.
SPEAKER_00I think there's about 30 businesses there. Really? So I've been there for about six years. Well, six years will be May 31st. So they allow you to come in um and start your business there, and then of course, you know, they help you out after that. That's what I was gonna help you out. Um and then after that, you know, you're on your own. So by that time you should have everything together.
SPEAKER_02So, yeah, I want to um ask you about your experience at um in the Incubator. You said they help you out. So, what are some of the things that they may do that, you know, that would help to catapult your they offer a lot of training, free training classes.
SPEAKER_00Um, things such as working with the SBA to help you get grants. Okay. Um, to help you get loans. Um, they also help you with learning how to do payroll.
SPEAKER_02Okay.
SPEAKER_00So um just getting in the community and networking, they help a lot of that as well.
SPEAKER_02Oh wow. So then they'll help you with your marketing. Yes, we do. Good. Good. Well that's great.
SPEAKER_00And so uh, and you said you how long were you out there? Six years will be six years. Six years. May 31st will be six years.
SPEAKER_02Okay, and so now you're about to launch into your um so both tell me the businesses businesses that will be housed in that on Cashua, and um, or you can, or all of them will be there.
SPEAKER_00Carolina Connections and Interventions will be housed there and New Expressions Therapeutic Services.
SPEAKER_02Okay.
SPEAKER_00The other businesses have a different location, they're kind of mobile. Right, okay. So um those particular locations are recurrently ran out of my house. Hey home offices.
SPEAKER_02Yes. That's that's the hey, that's the way to go. Home offices. So so um that's a good subject. Home
Home Office Write-Offs That Matter
SPEAKER_02offices. Let's talk about that. Because um some people don't realize that um when it comes to your uh executing a business in your home or doing uh different things in your home, um, that is tax deductible. You can, you know. So let's talk about that. Because I ran into a lady and um she had been doing uh uh uh she has a business in her house and she never utilized that item on her taxes.
SPEAKER_00Wow. And I think one of the things that's happened that I've noticed to happen here in the state is a lot of times the person that's preparing their taxes just they just don't have the knowledge.
SPEAKER_02Not only that, I think they don't have the time. That yeah, yeah, they don't have the knowledge, and some of them don't have because they have so many clients. Yes, and so they're you know in a rush doing, hey, I got this for you, so we're you know moving right along. But um that is uh that home office piece is a strong piece for for those who aren't aware of that when it comes to tax to tax write-offs.
SPEAKER_00And there are so many other things that you can write off, even though you have the home office. Um there's a part of your electricity that you can write off, you know, your cell phone bill, your internet bill. Um if you're hosting, you know, gatherings for your company, you can write that off as well. And one of the things that I like to educate people about is um, let's say, for example, that you want to rent out your house, your company can pay for that for you know for a week. They can pay for that. So um there are lots of things that you can do as a business owner, and I always recommend if you have a nine to five, you need to have a I call it a side hustle as home. Oh, definitely. Yeah, you do and file that on your taxes.
SPEAKER_02Yes, you do. You must do your own taxes. No, ma'am, I have a CPA. Oh, you have a CPA? But you're so knowledgeable of what can happen because I do my own. So I the things that you're saying are exactly spot on. Yeah, so that's why I asked that question. Yes, you definitely want to.
SPEAKER_00I tell people invest, it invest in a CPA. It helps.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, it does. It does. If you are, you know, I took accounting in schools.
SPEAKER_00Oh, you're good then.
SPEAKER_02But you're right, you're right. Um, because uh sometimes and even uh maybe when I'll get to a certain if it becomes overwhelming for me, and then um, yeah, an accountant would be very to my advantage. It would be. And and to those who um who need that extra, you know, because some business, with all the businesses you have, you need an accountant.
SPEAKER_00I'll be honest and say um I've been in business for over 20, self-employed for over 20 years, and I've never done my taxes. I've always had an accountant.
SPEAKER_02Great, great, great. Well, your accountant is good because you're knowledgeable of what what can happen.
SPEAKER_00He definitely keeps me informed.
SPEAKER_02That's good, that's good. So what would you say to an individual who wants
How To Launch A Business Right
SPEAKER_02to launch their business? Um, what is the best way to do that?
SPEAKER_00I'll start off by saying um when you're launching a new business or you want to launch a new business, the best thing to do is to do a lot of research about what it is you want to do. Um, researching after researching, I always say network with someone that is in that particular entity to see if it's something that you enjoy or shadow them to see if that's something that you enjoy, and then look at the market because I'll say one thing, um, just renting here in Florence can be very expensive. Yes. So you may have to run your business out of your house or you may have to um rent a shed, you know, the little sheds that you see on the side of the highway. Right. That would be a tax write-off for your business. But um, I always say knowledge is the first thing that you have to do. Become knowledgeable. And if it's something that you want to do after praying about that situation, um, you're gonna reach out to the South Carolina Secretary of State and get your LLC. You definitely want to have the LLC make that business official. Right. After getting that, then you can um obtain the your EIN number through the government. And I tell people this a lot of times you can have those, the EIN number and your um South Carolina Secretary of State, your LLC, it shouldn't cost you any more than $145.60. Anything over that is is you're right.
SPEAKER_02Bogus She might as well say it. Yes.
SPEAKER_00I've had people um that I've worked with, you know, that said, hey, I paid $1,400 for this. And I'm like, uh you could have done that online yourself. Yes, exactly right. So um, and I do a lot of consulting with people that open up new businesses as well. So I tell them, you know, if you don't know, ask. And if you ask and they don't give you the information, the internet is there and it's free. It's not gonna cost you anything. Um I hate to say it this way, but put it into Chat GPT. I was about to say Chat GPT is there as well. And Chat GPT will give you everything that you need to know.
SPEAKER_02That's good. That that's great information. Yeah, that was great answer. Great answer. Um uh we're very proud of you, Shamika. I'm cute. And to
Contact Info And Closing Notes
SPEAKER_02and what you have accomplished and what you are accomplishing and moving from uh, as we say, here in church, glory to glory to glory. Yes, we've been going from new levels and uh so um we just want to make sure we know that you will continue to do well and keep up the great work. Thank you. And um all of and everyone tell everyone again how they can get in touch with you um if they need when they when they are in need, not if, but when they are in need of your services, because you uh you can accommodate it.
SPEAKER_00Yes, ma'am. So if you all need to um get in contact with me, I'll give you my mobile number. Um and I have my mobile number, my mobile phone on me at all times. That number is 843-409-9240. And I'm gonna repeat it, 843-409-9240. So um, if you call and I don't answer, send me a text. There you go. There you go, there you go.
SPEAKER_02So for all of your party needs and for services or uh speech pathology, as well as um tell them everything else.
SPEAKER_00I have plant-based business, the connection.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that plant-based business, yeah, yeah. Yeah, with the supplements. Oh yeah. Man, those are all over YouTube and all the different herbs and you know, however, you know, sour sop and all that stuff. You got all that. I have lots of things. Hey, Jamaica has it. You don't have to um get that mail order and they'll debit your account and you look, they're taking money out of your account, and you don't even know it. Uh that and that is some of the things that are um that's going on with that when you order um those supplements online. Uh, once you put your card in there, because that happened to a co-worker, once he put his card in, they started sending him the stuff every other week. Oh, as if he signed up for auto show. As if he signed up for auto show and they started taking the money out. Wow. And he had not um authorized that. So we had to go. So it is best and good to know people like you who have um, you know, have the supplements right here, and all we have to do is call that number right here.
SPEAKER_00Right around the corner. I always tell people if you don't like it, you have 180 days to return the product and you'll get your money back.
SPEAKER_02Okay, great, great, great. Well, Jamica, it was so wonderful to have you here with us today, one of the babies of our church. Yes, yes, that we are so proud of you. Thank you again. Yes. All right, everyone. Uh this is Business Awareness Month, and so um, that's why we have Jamaica here, and uh we will have other guests uh as the as this month progresses, and the month is almost over, uh, because it is graduation month as well. So um please continue to tune in to Native Drums, and we'll have um one of your favorite subject matters. I'm sure we will.
SPEAKER_01And um say hello to Cash, our producer.
SPEAKER_02Uh, we thank him ever so much for all that he does. We don't know what we'd do without him. I'm just Celia Williams here. Uh at Sematical Baptist Church and Native Drums.
